Essex County Council has responded to “significant public interest” and extended the closing date for comments on a proposed quarry site in Thorrington.
The closing date for the consultation on the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan has been extended by three weeks and will now close on Tuesday, April 9.
Central government requires the council to develop policies and identify future sites for mineral extraction in the county. The nearest to Brightlingsea is the 105 hectare Thorrington Hall site, which borders the B1027 and B1029 roads.
If selected, up to 4.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel could be extracted from the site. Objectors – who have been leafleting local homes – say it would damage the environment, create a health risk through increased dust and noise, cause the loss of wildlife habitat and damage roads through increased truck movements.
Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “Public interest in the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan has been very high and I’m pleased that we’ve moved to extend the deadline for responses, giving residents longer to feedback on the proposals.
“I would once again stress that no decisions on potential sites have been made at this stage and we will take the views of our communities into account as the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan is finalised.”
Consultation forms are available in Brightlingsea library and from the Brightlingsea Town Council office. The online consultation is here – www.essex.gov.uk/minerals-review – search for site A74 Thorrington Hall Farm, Tendring.
